CBI files first chargesheet in Saradha scam

The Special Crime Branch of CBI today filed its first charge sheet in the multi-crore Saradha scam after it began the probe under the direction of the Supreme Court more than four months ago.

CBI sources said the 25-page charge sheet coupled with annexures contained names of three accused persons — Saradha Group chief Sudipto Sen, his close associate Debjani Mukherjee and suspended Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh who had worked with Sen.

The charge sheet was filed by the investigation officer of the CBI accompanied by its counsel with the Metropolitan Magistrate of the City Sessions Court. CBI had filed the charge sheet under Sections 120B, 409 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code and also under Sections four and six of Prize, Chit and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act 1978.

The agency would also continue its investigation under Section 173(8) of CrPC for ascertaining the role of other accused persons and financial transactions. Five companies – Saradha Tours & Travels, Saradha Gardens, Saradha Realty, Saradha Constructions Strategic Media, a company owned by Kunal Ghosh, were also named in the charge sheet, the sources said.